Lynn to manage Winthrop ice rink

Hockey players will get more ice time at the Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink once fundraising goals are met that will allow installation of a refrigeration system on site. Photo courtesy of Jill Calvert

Sharla Lynn has been named facilities manager for the Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink (WISR), the rink’s board of directors announced this week.

Lynn, who formerly was general manager of the Loup Loup Ski Bowl, replaced Kurt Meacham, who oversaw the rink’s activities for the past several years.

“We are very excited to have Sharla lead our operations”, WISR President Jill Calvert said in a press release. “Her experience in the outdoor industry and winter operations will be invaluable to our program moving forward. We would like to salute Kurt Meacham who has run the rink the past number of years. Kurt got the rink to a very good place operationally and we really appreciate all he has done.”

WISR was recently awarded a $497,000 grant from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition to add ice-making equipment and other amenities such as new bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms at the open-air facility.

The grant must be matched by local cash and in-kind contributions. Calvert said that about $373,150 has been raised towards the “guaranteed ice, wouldn’t it be nice” project.

“We have the opportunity to create something really magical for our community,” said WISR fundraising volunteer Laurie Ulmer. “With refrigeration we can grow the number of days the facility is open by 89 percent over the best season to date. This would allow ice activities from November to March, increasing experiences for locals and visitors alike.”

Donations can be made on-line at the rink’s website, www.winthropiceandsportsrink.com, or by calling Ulmer at (509) 341-4416.